For Some Americans, the End of Obamacare Subsidies Means Falling Off a Financial Cliff

February 2, 2026

black and white image of a stethoscope

(New York Times) – Obamacare’s open enrollment period is over, and Americans around the country are facing higher health insurance costs. But the increases have been particularly steep for one group of people.

People who earn $62,600 or less — the people whose incomes fall on the left side of this chart — get income-based subsidies to pay most of the bill.

People who earn more than $62,600 — the people on the right side — get no subsidies at all. They pay full price.

That means an increase of $1 in income for the average 60-year-old — from $62,600 to $62,601 — could mean paying $10,000 more for health insurance. (Read More)